More about static electricity - it takes 5kV to even have a sensation from
it, due to skin resistance, etc. That is why static damage is so easy. Some
components like JFETS can be damaged at potentials under 100V.
I use an antistatic workstation and wriststrap all the time. If you live in
a dry environment there is even more risk of static damage (or have nylon
carpets in your shop area). I even have a static locator to identify and
remove static generating materials from my "protected area". Some of the
worst offenders are packing materials. Very few people use antistatic
packing materials. Bubble wrap and styrofoam peanuts (& coffee cups) are
the worst. Even your clothing can generate dangerous levels of ESD. Stick
with natural fibers.
Static damage is rarely immediate - it creates a "walking wounded" component
that can fail a year or more out. The carbon generated from the ESD strike
can cause a transistor junction to "grow" over time, temperature and other
conditions in IC's.
Antistatic straps have a 10Mohm resistor built in for safety reasons.
In my car I use an insulated key as a lightning rod which lessens the shock
immensely.
I used to set up and train employees in medical manufacturing companies
about ESD control.
